Alef,b... Newsletter

Stay on the look-out for Our quarterly Alefbkids Newsletter to include information about our classes as well as tackle concerns that every parent may have about teaching a foreign language to their children, keeping their heritage alive and help build a better future for the new generation.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Alefb December 2016 Newsletter

As we are looking forward to 2017 with all its uncertainties and yet many opportunities, we are wishing you to stay true to our values, as per the inspiring poster below.
Let's preserve this fine line that makes us who we are.Let's keep focused on what we do best, and work hard to make the world a better place for our children.

#

!كل عام وانتم بخير

NEWS FROM ALEFB:ALEFB IS EXPANDING TO NEW YORK:
Thanks to a group of dedicated parents, Alefb was able to add its program in Brooklyn, at the PS 58 Caroll School, as an enrichment activity. Read more here and here.
If you would like Alefb to come to your school, please contact us.
Together, we can make it happen.

NEW AlefbAlumni LINKEDIN GROUP:
All Alefb alumni, students, teachers parents are encouraged to join our AlefbAlumni group on LinkedIn. This group aims at connecting like minded people and sparking conversations about their experience as speakers of Arabic in today's job market, and in the professional world. This is a private group. Ask to join now.

ALEFB PROUD SPONSOR OF THE ARAB FILM FESTIVAL IN SAN FRANCISCO:
In the framework of our mission to support the Arabic language and culture, we are grateful to the Arab Film Festival organizers for the opportunity to support their offering, this year again.
The Arab Film Festival is evolving into the Arab Film &Media Institute, an organization much needed for promoting a better understanding among the people, and creating a safe environment for our children. As the director Serge Bakalian puts it: "One of the most powerful things we can do is to lift up our own stories and our own voices". I truly encourage to participate in this effort. If you want to know more and donate to this organization, please click here.

ALEFB IS NOW OFFERING ONLINE SKYPE CLASSES:We are working with Natakallam organization to provide 1:1 Skype lessons to our students. Alefb is augmenting Natakallam's refugee conversation partners with educational material, and skills to teach younger children. You can contribute to give refugees a decent livelihood, while increasing your children's practice of the Arabic language, at a very affordable cost. If interested send a note here.

ALEFB WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU: Receive a 10% discount on your first year Alefb tuition when you fill out our Interactive Story Book Feedback Survey here.This will take only 5 minutes of your time, and will pave the way for many new opportunities to teach Arabic to our children. Offer ends on January 30, 2017.

REGISTER NOW:
Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Please note that all children enrolled in our first session will automatically be enrolled in our second and third sessions for 2016-17.We have classes in Arlington-VA, Brooklyn-NY, Courbevoie-France and Paris-France. Check them outhere.Deadline to register is January 2, 2017.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
We are hiring. We are recruiting teachers, site coordinators, interns and volunteers in all of our locations.We are also looking for board members who share our vision, and who would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please contact us.

YOU CAN REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC:

Take time during this holiday season to play with your children in Arabic. You can find some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to try your luck on New Year's eve? Play with you kids the game of Basra in Arabic of course. Here are the instructions! Send us a picture of the winner and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Storymine-Hikayat: This holiday give the gift of Arabic Reading. Hikayat is an interactive stories app for children ages 1 to 10.The stories are designed to motivate and inspire kids to be independent readers in an enjoyable and entertaining way

Children Books:Check out this website to chose from a list of award winning picture books and youth literature.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:

Try Alefb free Arabic Interactive Story Book with your child, for hours of fun and learning.Give it a few seconds to download and let the magic begin....

CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES: If you would like to share an event, or suggest a field trip, please let us know atinfo@alefb.org.

Arab American National Museum

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org.

Please meet Samaa Haridi - Alefb Parent, NYC

A Dedicated Parent who made it happen!

Samaa Haridi is an international arbitration partner at the law firm Hogan Lovells in NY, who lives in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Samaa is Egyptian, and is married to an American citizen, and they have two children, Maya (9) and Zakaria (6). Samaa grew up in several francophone countries as a result of her father's diplomatic background. She pursued her law studies in Paris, France before settling in Brooklyn, New York.

With strong will and perseverance, and with the help of two other NY based parents, Julie Malahi and Roula Raad, Samaa was able to give the gift of the Arabic language and Culture not only to her kids but to many others. It takes a village to raise a child....Be part of it!

You can read her experience below:

"When my kids were born, I was torn between speaking to them in French or in Arabic, as both languages are native for me. Ultimately I decided for French, while their father spoke to them in English. It was difficult in a setting where each parent spoke a different language to the kids to introduce a 3rd language through the parents. But I knew that I wanted my children to speak Arabic. Arabic is not only the language spoken in their mother's country, and the one their maternal grandparents speak, it is also a beautiful, rich and rewarding language skill to have. I have seen first hand, through my own legal profession, how important and unique it was for me to speak (and read and write) the Arabic language. It has helped me in many ways in my career, as very few international arbitration practitioners in the U.S. possess that skill.

I tried in different ways to introduce the Arabic language to my children: books, TV shows, Youtube videos, at-home tutors/play partners. Nothing worked. They were interested, but none of those options were good enough to generate a real ability to speak and engage in the Arabic language. I looked for more classic Arabic classes for children in the neighborhood, and even outside the neighborhood. I found nothing. I then decided that rather than focusing just on my own children, the answer lied somewhere else: in their school. In their community. My kids attend PS 58, a public school in Carroll Gardens that offers a French-English dual language program (DLP) and that has been recognized for years as a leading force behind the institution of DLP education in New York. I knew the school would be welcoming of even more robust and diversified foreign language education. I also knew a number of parents in our and in neighboring schools who felt my predicament, and who wished their children could learn Arabic. So I decided to put together an afterschool Arabic program to be added to the school's standard offerings, and I worked with the school administrators to achieve that goal.

It was then that I met Michelle Tager, through parent connections, and I immediately saw the light. Alefb offered exactly what we needed: a curriculum, and a structure, to make sure the kids were taken care of in the most effective manner possible. We implemented two different classes (by age groups) to take into account differing maturity levels for the children, and we convinced the school to welcome not only interested PS 58 families, but also families from neighboring schools. We managed to garner sufficient interest to be able to start the two classes with a wonderful and dedicated teacher. It has only been 4 months, and my children can now have light conversations in Arabic. They recognize letters and they enjoy going to Arabic class. They also met new friends and share North African and Middle Eastern treats in every class. They are learning a new language but also a whole new culture.

When people ask me what was my proudest achievement in 2016, my answer is, without a doubt: starting the Alefb Arabic program in Brooklyn, and allowing a growing number of children to learn this beautiful language."

Please drop us a note if you wish to open your own Alefb program in your school or city at info@alefb.org.

Our Team wishes you a very Merry Christmas& a Linguistically and Culturally Wonderful 2017!

Alefb... The playful way to learn Arabic language and culture
Phone: 1.301.919.4481

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!

Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!

As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.

We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.

Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.

NEWS from Alefb:

Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!

Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.

By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.

Now is the time to enroll or re-enrollyour kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.

We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.

Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.

Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.

Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014. We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .

ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:

Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.

Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

FROM AROUND THE WEB:

WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?

Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.

I'm sure you all heard this before:

"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.

I asked why he hated Arabs."

Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.

Threeways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:

- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year

- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.

- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)

Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.

Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.

Cultural and Community resources:

We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.

ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي

مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي

ردني إلى بلادى

سعيد عقل

Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...

Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?

Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?

Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.

You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.

Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:

If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org

- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here

- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.

- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.

- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.

STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:

If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org

Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.

Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….

Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...

She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.

About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.

Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.

From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.

In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.

Dedication and commitment are key.

Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?

How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?

How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?

Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....

We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.

WE NEED YOU:

If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org

Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.

Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.

Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!